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8 Traditional Mulch Alternatives for Landscaping
Mulch is one of the most commonly used materials for decorating landscapes and garden beds. It not only adds visual appeal to the landscape but also provides the plants and soil with numerous benefits. Traditional mulch is made of hardwood and softwood such as oak, hickory, cedar, and pine. Although wood mulch is most commonly used, there are many traditional mulch alternatives for landscaping. Some of these include decorative rock mulch, rubber mulch, leaf mulch, and straw mulch.
Pecan Shell Mulch
Pecan shell mulch is made from recycled pecan shells and serves as an effective alternative to mulch. It has a trademark red tone, which adds a visual appeal to any landscape. Pecan shell mulch also has a neat and tidy look that interests many homeowners.
Pros: rich in acid, benefits acid-loving plants (such as azaleas), not susceptible to sogginess like wood mulches
Cons: can decompose into unwanted compost-like substance, can form hard crusts due to decomposition, can be pricey
Rock Mulch
Rock mulch is a variety of mulch alternative that comprises rocks of varying sizes and colors. These can range from pebbles to large stones. Rock mulch adds a unique and appealing look to any landscape while still being effective. It is low-maintenance and longer lasting than most any other mulch. Many Prosper, Texas, landscapers use it to create gravel-stone pathways.
Pros: low maintenance, lasts longer than most mulch varieties
Cons: provides little to no nutrients for plants or soil, easily absorbs heat, expensive
Rubber Mulch
Rubber mulch is a mulch alternative made from recycled rubber. It is often made from waste tires and comes in a variety of shapes and colors. Unfortunately, it’s expensive and can leach chemicals through plant roots and soil. Rubber mulch looks similar to traditional mulch, as it’s produced to share similar colors and shapes as wood mulch.
Pros: blocks weeds easily, long lasting, provides great insulation
Cons: chemicals from rubber can harm the soil and plants, expensive, does not decompose naturally which may deprive soil of needed nutrients
Leaf Mulch
Leaf mulch can be made from whole, shredded, or crumpled leaves and can be easily acquired during your fall landscaping project. It is a free or low-cost alternative mulch that enriches soils. Leaf mulch is an organic option to cover soil and adds a forest-like appeal to flower beds and other planting areas.
Pros: helps control weeds in plant beds, insulates soil well, keeps soil rich in moisture
Cons: can be blown away easily, quickly decomposes and needs to be replaced often, can restrict sunlight, water, and air intake
Peanut Shell Mulch
Peanut shell mulch is a mulch alternative made from peanut shells, which are rich in many nutrients. It offers a unique and effective look to any plant bed. While peanut shell mulch may have benefits, it’s typically difficult to find and more costly than traditional mulches.
Pros: rich in nitrogen/potassium/phosphorus, long lasting, nutrients benefit soil and plants
Cons: has been thought to cause fungal disease, expensive, not readily available
Pine Needle Mulch
Pine needle mulch is made out of pine needles and pine straw. It reaps many benefits for the garden bed and adds a natural visual appeal similar to traditional mulch. Pine needle mulch is relatively inexpensive and adds nutrients to soils.
Pros: cost effective, reduces erosion, reduces weeds, adds nutrients to soil
Cons: erodes easily, can attract pests, flammable
Straw Mulch
Straw mulch can be made from numerous grain plants. These plants include rye, barley, oat, wheat, and more. Straw mulch is readily available in most areas, is lightweight, and helps to aerate the soil.
Pros: readily available, helps aerate soils, reduces grass growth in flower beds
Cons: can decrease nitrogen levels in soil, not long lasting, may attract unwanted pests
Green Mulch
Green mulch is a unique mulch alternative made from a variety of plant trimmings, leafy plants, and ground cover plants. It is also known as living mulch. Green mulch helps to regulate soil temperatures and can be easily acquired from your yard.
Pros: preserves moisture in soil, adds nutrients to soil, prevents weed growth
Cons: may compete with existing plants for water and nutrients, may attract unwanted pests, can reduce growth of other plants